Shifting Soil?

Floor-heaving of up to 6 inches, expensive repairs and difficulty with mall management about how to address the problems persuaded Italian restaurant Il Fornaio to close in October, said Jesse Witt, a lawyer who represented the restaurant in negotiations with the mall. Witt said the Corte Madera, Calif.-based chain wanted to remain in the location, but the ''soils problem'' was the reason it closed.

It's a similar case for Denver-based burrito chain Chipotle, which shutdown in August. Chipotle spokesman Chris Arnold said the restaurant left because the mall opted not to repair the building.